Method and system for deodorizing a room containing a toilet

ABSTRACT

A toilet ventilation system that substantially reduces unpleasant odors when one uses the toilet. In particular this method and system reduces odors when an individual is having a bile movement. The system of the present invention supplies odorized to the toilet room area. This odorized air contains a deodorizer substance that removes substantially the entire unpleasant odor from the air.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This provisional patent application is related to provisional patent application No. 61/790,688. The contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and system for deodorizing a toilet and room in which the toilet is located. In particular, this invention relates to a method and system for quickly deodorizing a room during the process of human solid waste excretion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A toilet is a sanitation apparatus used mainly to dispose human waste in the form of excrement and urine. Toilets are often found in a room house of building referred to as a toilet, bathroom, or lavatory. Mobile toilets commonly referred to portal potties can be located on streets, or work areas such as construction sites. Many parts of the world use flush toilets. In rural areas, flush toilets can be connected to a nearby septic tank. More common in urban areas, flush toilets are connected via “large” (3-6 inches, 7.6-15 cm) sewer pipes to a sewerage pipe system. The water and waste from many different sources is piped in large pipes to a more distant sewage treatment plant. FIG. 1 shows a conventional toilet system used in many bathrooms today. The main parts of a toilet system include the tank 102, bowl 104 and siphon 112. The toilet bowl 104 is portion of the toilet that sits on the floor. The bowl is just that, a bowl containing setting water. The toilet bowl receives the human waste. The toiler tank 102 sits above and is connected to the toilet bowl 104. The toilet tank also contains water 110. When one flushes the toilet, the tank water flows into the toilet bowl. As the tank water flows into the toilet bowl, the setting water in the toilet bowl is force through the siphon 112 and sewer pipes. Any waste in the setting water is also force out of the toilet. Some tank water is flows through the siphon during the flushing operation. The remainder of the tank water settles in the toilet bowl and becomes the setting water until the next flush. During this flushing process, water from the water to the house or building refills the tank with water for the next flush. The toilet system also includes a toilet seat 106 pivotally attached to the toilet bowl. In a down position, the toilet seat covers the rim of the toilet bowl. The toilet seat provides a surface for a human to sit. The toilet lid 108 provides a cover for the toilet bowl. This lid can prevent objects from falling into the toilet bowl. The word ‘toilet’ has several negative connotations. One associates filth, germs, strong unpleasant odors, and disease with the toilet. Cleaning a toilet is one of the lowest jobs a person can have. Much of the negative connotation of toilets relates to the strong odorous smell during human excretion of solid waste. The discharge of human solid waste creates a noxious odor. It is generally preferable to eliminate these noxious odors as rapidly as possible. One common way to eliminate these odors is by utilizing of an exhaust fan in conjunction with the room in which the toilet is mounted with the purpose of the exhaust fan to remove and discharge the noxious odors into the ambient. A second approach to odor elimination is the use of a number of aerosol sprays especially designed to be used in a bathroom environment. There are times, however, when the use of an aerosol spray is inconvenient. This may be especially true when a person is in a rush. In this respect, it would be desirable if a bathroom deodorizer device were provided which did not require the use of an aerosol spray. Another way one can eliminate noxious odors is by the application of an odor destroying liquid within the toilet bowl.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,237 to Baker describes a new and improved toilet seat deodorizer apparatus includes a flexible, resilient air pump assembly shaped substantially in the form of a toilet seat, a connector assembly for connecting the air pump assembly to a toilet bowl, and an odor dispenser assembly connected to the air pump assembly. The odor dispenser assembly includes a first screened end in direct communication with air contained within the flexible, resilient air pump assembly and includes a second screened end in direct communication with air which is outside the air pump assembly and the odor dispenser assembly. When a person sits upon the flexible, resilient air pump assembly, a quantity of air is pumped from inside the air pump assembly, through the door dispenser assembly, to outside the odor dispenser assembly to room air in the room in which the toilet is located. Rigid support members are connected to the flexible, resilient air pump assembly for supporting the air pump assembly a predetermined spaced distance from the toilet bowl. The odor dispenser assembly may be located between the flexible, resilient air pump assembly and the toilet bowl.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,563 to Helfet describes a toilet deodorizer comprising a pump housing in the form of a cylinder and a piston. The cylinder is to be mounted on the movable toilet seat of a conventional toilet. When sitting on the toilet seat, the toilet seat moves which causes a piston to be moved within the cylinder which causes liquid to be dispensed from a pump chamber through an outlet valve in contact with a deflector plate which disperses the liquid within a wide area of the toilet bowl. When the user gets up from a toilet seat the toilet seat is lifted which causes retraction movement between the piston and the cylinder which causes a new quantity of liquid to be pulled through an inlet valve into the pump chamber while maintaining the outlet valve closed.

Historically, there, have been many numerous different types of devices that are to work in conjunction with the toilet bowl that apply a quantity of odor destroying liquid within the toilet bowl during occupancy of the seat. However, in the past these toilet bowl deodorizing systems have had certain disadvantages which have resulted in their non-utilization. The primary disadvantage is that these systems are large in sixe and therefore, from an appearance point of view, make for an unattractive addition to the structure of the toilet. Another disadvantage is that the systems are difficult to clean not providing for easy disassembly and reassembly for purposes of cleaning. A further disadvantage is that the systems do not necessarily dispense a precise quantity of deodorizing liquid with sometimes dispensing a larger amount of liquid and other times dispensing a smaller and ineffective amount of deodorizing liquid. It would be desirable to design a system that dispensed a precise quantity of toilet deodorizer and air into the atmosphere surrounding a toilet which can affectively and substantially reduce noxious odor during human excretion activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a toilet ventilation system that substantially reduces unpleasant odors when one uses the toilet. In particular, this invention reduces odors when an individual is having a bile movement. The system of the present invention supplies odorized air to the toilet room area. This odorized air contains a deodorizer substance that removes substantially the entire unpleasant odor from the air. In this invention, a flexible tube material containing outlet vent holes can be positioned on the bottom surface of a toilet seat. The vent holes in the tube are designed and positioned such that air following through these holes is directed downward into the toilet bowl and toward the source of the unpleasant odor. This tube is connected to an air supply which is usually an air pump. Also in the tube between the air supply and the outlet vent holes is a deodorizer substance. As the air from the air pump passes through the tube, the air mixes with the deodorizer substance. The air carries the deodorized substance through the outlet vent holes and into the toilet bowl and room. When the deodorized air enters the room atmosphere, the odorized air encounters and substantially eliminates the unpleasant odor in the room.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows conventional toilet bowl system.

FIG. 2 shows the toilet deodorizing system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a connection tee used to connect tubes in the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the conventional tee used to connect tubes in the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the flow of the present invention in which air flows over and mixes with a deodorizing material.

FIG. 6 is a view of the air flow through the system of the present, invention.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the toilet deodorizing system of the present invention for a semi-circle toilet seat.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the toilet deodorizing system of the present invention with a groove in the toilet seat for positioning of a tube in the groove.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of a groove of the present invention in the toilet seat.

FIG. 10 shows the tube positioned in the groove in the toilet seat.

FIG. 11 shows the alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating the flow of air through the tube positioned in the toilet seat.

FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating the bottom of the toilet seat with vented outlets for air flow with no tubing showing.

FIG. 13 shows a different alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating the bottom of the toilet seat with vented outlets for air flow with no tubing showing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This present invention is a system for deodorizing a room area during and immediately after the activity of human excretion into a toilet bowl. This invention eliminates a substantial portion of the noxious odors given off by human waste. The system of the present invention combines air with a deodorizing substance and releases this deodorizing air around the toilet bowl. The focus of the deodorizing air is on the location of the source of the noxious odors.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the configuration of the system of the present invention. Shown is the bottom surface of a toilet seat 202. As previously discussed, the toilet seat is pivotally attached to the rim of the toilet bowl. Hinges 212 are used to pivotally attach the toilet seat to the toilet bowl. Stands 204 are attached to the bottom surface of the toilet seat. When the toilet seat is in a down or use position, the stands 204 contact the toilet bowl surface. In the down position, the toilet seat actually rests on the stands 204. The stands provide a clearance between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl surface. The clearance between the toilet seat 202 and toilet bowl surface facilitates the implementation of the system of the present invention. Again referring to FIG. 2, shown is a first hollow tube element 206 positioned on and attached to the bottom surface of the toilet seat 202. As shown, this tube element can be in a circular shape around the toilet bowl surface. Fastener devices 208 secure the tube element 206 to the toilet seat surface. A second tube element 209 connects the tube element 206 to a pump device 214. This pump device is an air pump that forces air through the tube elements and into the toilet bowl area. The air pump 214 can be a conventional pump. Batteries or another power source can provide power to the pump for the pumping operation. In addition, activation of the air pump can be automatic such as when a person sits on the toilet seat. Several known automatic activation are available for use in the system of this invention. One such automatic activation system can employ a laser beam that submits activation and deactivation signals to control the air pump source. Signals are submitted when the laser beam is broken. Activation can also be manually done by the person sitting on the toilet seat. Air vent holes 210 in the first hollow tube 206 facilitate the release of the air being forced through the tube by the air pump. The vent holes 210 in the tube 206 are designed and positioned such that air following through these holes is directed downward into the toilet bowl and toward the source of the unpleasant odor. The air released through the vent holes contains deodorizing particles that substantially reduce the noxious odors. Within the second hollow tube 209 is a section 218 that contains the deodorizing materials 220. Air from the air pump 214 will pass through the tube section 218 and engage the deodorizing material 220. As the air engages the deodorizing material, material particles mix with the air and continue to travel through both tubes and eventually out of vent holes 210 and into the toilet bowl area.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the connection of the hollow tubes 206 and 209. As shown, these tubes provide the path for air to flow from the air pump into the toilet bowl. FIG. 3 shows a T-connector 306 that connects the two ends of the first hollow tube 206 and the second hollow 209. In addition, in alternate embodiment, the hollow tube 206 can be a modular device comprises multiple sections attachable to form the complete tube. The detachability of these tubes could facilitate easy replacement of part or all of the tube especially for cleaning. In some instances, it may be necessary to replace tubing when the vent holes become clogged or to unclog vent holes. FIG. 4 shows the connection of the T-connector 426 connecting hollow tube 409 with hollow tubes 422 and 424. Tubes 422 and 424 can also be one tube 206 as previously discussed. FIG. 5 shows the follow of air from the air pump through the section 518. The pumped air encounters the deodorizing material 520. This deodorizing material can be in various forms including a solid, liquid or gel. Pure Drop™ is one example of a deodorizing product for this application. As mentioned, the air encounters and mixes with the deodorizing material taking deodorizing particles through the tubing and into the toilet bowl air to reduce and eliminate the odor in the toilet bowl.

FIG. 6 is a view of the airflow through the toilet system of the present invention. As shown, the toilet bowl 650 contains water 652. The toilet seat 654 rests on the toilet seat surface 651. Toilet stands 653 connected to the toilet seat contact the toilet bowl surface 651. The tube 656 is connected to the air supply and contains the odorized air 662. The tube is also attached to the bottom surface of the toilet seat 654 with toilet seat fasteners. The odorized air exits the tube through the air vent outlets 660. As the air exits the tube 654, it enters the atmosphere of the toilet bowl and restroom. When the odorized air enters the atmosphere it encounters the unpleasant air. As the odorized air encounters the deodorizing substance in the odorized air begins to eliminate the unpleasant order in the atmosphere.

FIG. 7 provides an alternate embodiment of the system of the present invention for toilet seats that do not form a continuous circle. For implementation of the invention, there is a non-continuous toilet seat, 703 with an opening 724 at the front of the seat. Unlike FIG. 2, the first hollow tube 702 has a non-continuous design. However, the operation of this embodiment is the same as the initial embodiment described in FIG. 2. This configuration in FIG. 7 contains seat stands 704 which contain the surface of the toilet bowl. Connectors 708 attach the tube 702 to the toilet seat bottom surface. Air from the air supply exits the tube 702 through the air vent holes 710.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the toilet deodorizing system of the present invention with a groove in the toilet lid for positioning of a tube in the groove. In this embodiment, the bottom of the toilet seat 802 contains a groove 810 into which is place the air tube. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of a groove 910 of the present invention in the toilet seat 902.

FIG. 10 shows the tube 1004 positioned in the groove 1010 in the toilet seat 1002. The toilet seat 1002 rests of the surface of the toilet bowl 1012. As shown the tube 1004 contains air vents 1014 through which odorized air 1016 flows into the atmosphere to engage and reduce and eliminate the unpleasant odors.

FIG. 11 shows the alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating the air flow of air 1116 through the tube 1110 positioned in the toilet seat 1102. As shown, the air flows through the tube 1104 and the tube outlet 1114 into the bowl 1108.

FIGS. 12 and 13 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which two vented outlets 1214 and 1314 are under the toilet seat. No tubes or embedded grooves are shown in this embodiment. This seat is totally enclosed with two vented outlets 1214 and 1314 shown underneath the seat only. FIGS. 12 and 13 also shows two inch inlets 1212 and 1312 drilled through the back base of the toilet seat for the deodorizing air to flow into the bowl and thru the two vented outlets 1214 and 1314.

This invention provides significant advantages over the current art. The invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments. However, it is not limited thereto. Changes, variations and modifications to the basic design may be made without departing from the inventive concepts in this invention. In addition, these changes, variations and modifications would be obvious to those skilled in the art of having benefit of the foregoing teachings. All such changes, variations and modifications are intended with in the scope of this invention. 

1. A system for deodorizing a room containing a toilet bowl comprising: a toilet having a a first hollow tube containing vent holes positioned inside the toilet rim, said first hollow tube having vent holes providing outlets for air to flow to the first hollow tube; an air generation device for applying air to said first hollow tube and through the vent holes in said first hollow tube; said hollow tube connecting to said air generation device; and a deodorizing material positioned in a second hollow tube such that air flowing from said air generation device mixes with the deodorizing material as the air passes said deodorizing material.
 2. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 further comprising a tube connector, said tube connector having a T-shape with three opening, a first opening connected to said second hollow tube and second and third openings being connected to said open ends of said first hollow tube, said tube connecting facilitating a flow of air from said air generation device through said first hollow tube.
 3. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 further comprising tube fasteners for attaching said first hollow tube to the bottom surface of said toilet seat.
 4. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 wherein said second hollow tube further comprises a deodorizing section in which said deodorizing material is positioned.
 5. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 wherein said air generation device comprises an air pump.
 6. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 5 wherein said air generation device is activated and deactivated when the toilet is flushed.
 7. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 5 wherein said air generation device is automatically activated and deactivated by a pressure sensor switch.
 8. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 wherein said first hollow tube is a continuous tube.
 9. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 wherein said first hollow tube is a continuous tube.
 10. the room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 wherein said first hollow tube is formed two separate hollow tubes, each separate hollow tube having one closed end and one open end each open end being connected to said second hollow tube.
 11. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 wherein said first hollow tube has a cylindrical shape.
 12. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 1 wherein said second hollow tube is positioned in a flush valve in a water tank, said second hollow tube being positioned in the flush valve in the water tank such that air can be dispensed to the first hollow tube.
 13. A system for deodorizing a room containing a toilet bowl comprising: a toilet having a toilet seat connected to the toilet, the toilet seat having a bottom surface, said toilet also having a toilet bowl rim on which the toilet set will rest on when lowered to a down position; a first hollow tube containing vent holes in a portion of the first hollow tube that is positioned between the bottom surface of the toilet seat and toilet rim when the toilet seat is in the down position, said first hollow tube being flexible and shapeable and having at least one open end and one closed end, the vent holes providing outlets for air to exit the first hollow tube; an air generation device for supplying air to said first hollow tube and through the vent holes in said first hollow tube; and a deodorizing material positioned in said first hollow tube such that air flowing from said air generation device mixes with the deodorizing material as the air passes said deodorizing material.
 14. The room deodorizing system as described in claim 13 further comprising tube fasteners for attaching said first hollow tube to the bottom surface of said toilet seat. 